So, going by this definition, what are some things you can think of that may hinder your praise? I think one thing for believers now is electronics. I’m talking about computers, phones and TV. Do we spend enough time in His word like we should? Or do we let these devices take over? I’m not saying they’re bad. No. I’m just saying we may not allow for time in God’s word because we’re busy on these.

Another thing that may hinder praise is sin. Do we have something we’ve not confessed to the Father? Yes, you can be saved and still have a sin in between you and God. If there is then repent and let God love on you.

Forgiveness- Do you know that forgiveness in our hearts can cause our praise to be hindered? God tells us in Matthew 6 14-15

14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. And in 1st John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

If we have something that needs to be confessed to someone, then you need to go to that person and ask their forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t for that person because they may not forgive you. They may get mad and say all kinds of hurtful things to you. It is for you. Do you hear that? It is for you. It is for your healing. Don’t be worried about what the other person may think or say about you. Be obedient to God and do as He’s commanded us to do.

Worry, like I talked about above being worried over something someone may say or think of you. Who cares? The only person you should be concerned about what they think is God. Period. What would happen if you went out the door right now went to the end of your driveway and shouted Glory to God or Praise God? Nothing! Sure, a few neighbors may think you’re crazy. So what! Let them think this. Maybe someone else would hear you and come out to join you in praising God. How awesome would that be?

Fear is such a hindrance as well. It falls into the same pit or line as worry. Let go. I know it can be hard…so hard, but I promise you that the reward is so much sweeter.

Pride is another one. This can stop praise in its tracks faster than anything. It is also one that we may not recognize that has happened. It can be something as little as the gifts we’ve been given by God.

Complaining may stop it as well. If all we do is complain and never see our blessings then what do we have to praise God about? Not that we don’t, of course because we do. There’s so much to praise God over.

These are just a few things that may hinder us from praise God or being able to. The best thing we can do is to go to God in prayer and ask him to show us anything that may be doing this. For him to take away anything that’s not of him.

Allyson Carter is an author who dips her toes into the suspense and romance genres in the Edgy Christian market. She lives in Indiana with her husband, four children and three cats, where she homeschools her children, three on the autism spectrum. You can find out more about her books on her website. She also has a personal blog at Faith and Homemaking